How to Get Your New Hampshire Youth Operator License (Permit)

Step by step

1. Practice driving from 15½ (no permit)

   New Hampshire issues no learner's permit. From 15 and a half, drive only with a parent, legal guardian or licensed responsible adult aged 25 or older. (New Hampshire Driver's Manual, p. 2)

2. Finish driver education

   Under 18 you need an approved driver education program, with classes and driving taught by a certified instructor, plus 40 hours of supervised driving logged with an adult, 10 of them at night.

   • 30 hours of classroom instruction
   • 10 hours of practice driving with the instructor
   • 6 hours of driving observation
   • 40 more supervised hours with a parent, guardian or responsible adult (10 at night)

   (New Hampshire Driver's Manual, p. 1)

3. Gather your documents

   Book an appointment and bring proof of who you are and where you live. Under 18, a parent or guardian gives written permission for the license.

   • Proof of identity and New Hampshire residency
   • Any driver's license from another state
   • Written permission from a parent or guardian if you are under 18
   • A registered, inspected car in safe condition, and a licensed driver to bring you

   (New Hampshire Driver's Manual, p. 3)

4. Pass the vision, knowledge and road tests

   Read the 20/40 line with both eyes, answer at least 32 of 40 knowledge questions, then pass a road test of about 20 minutes. You leave with a 60-day paper license. (New Hampshire Driver's Manual, p. 2–3)

Fees and the full list of accepted documents change from time to time, so check them on the New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles website before you go.

Rules while you have a youth operator license

• While practicing, a parent, legal guardian or licensed responsible adult aged 25 or older rides with you. (New Hampshire Driver's Manual, p. 2)
• On a Youth Operator license under 18, don't drive between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. (New Hampshire Driver's Manual, p. 4)
• For your first six months, carry at most one passenger under 25 from outside your family, unless a licensed adult aged 25 or older is in the car. (New Hampshire Driver's Manual, p. 4)
• Never carry more passengers than seat belts, and don't use any phone or device, even hands-free, except to report an emergency. (New Hampshire Driver's Manual, p. 4)